Before Your Tour...

Visitors under 18 must have a release signed by a parent/legal guardian. If minors will be unaccompanied by parent/guardian, download and print the Minor Release, and bring the signed release for your tour. No other release will be accepted. The release cannot be signed by a grandparent or other adult. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

All tours are rain or shine.

Photos may be taken the day of the tour at no charge, once the visitor has signed the Visitor Release.

The education building is wheelchair accessible; however the gravel and mulched paths of the tour are not wheel-chair friendly. If you have mobility issues, call (919) 542-4684 when you purchase your ticket so we can provide an alternative for you.

Avalon Leopard

Date of Birth

12/5/1990

Date of Death

9/6/2007

History

Avalon was the quintessential black leopard - smooth, sleek and smart. She usually greeted us with a deep growl that resonated through her chest and quivered the air. But, Avalon had another greeting that astounded us all. Avalon would say the word "hey" perfectly. Several volunteers, visitors and staffers heard her say it and actually responded - thinking another person was around! But it was just Avalon talking - on not such a growly day.

Carolina Tiger Rescue (then CPT) lost Avalon in September, 2007. Staff found her already gone, curled up in her denbox. Despite her advanced age, her death came as a shock to us all; she gave no indication of being ill and had received a clean bill of health in her February physical. Lab results determined Avalon died of a uterine infection.

Avalon left us only a few months after the loss of her enclosure-mate, Disraeli. In the months following his passing, volunteers and staff were touched by Avalon's increased need for company, as her calls became more frequent. We were only too happy to oblige. Avalon managed to capture our hearts with her conversive greetings, yet remind us to respect her leopard status with her deep throaty growls.